Books. I’ve read a lot of books this year. Possibly more than I normally would. I’ve always been a keen reader of fictional stories but it's non-fiction that I spend most time with; and especially love an autobiography.
I find delving into other peoples' worlds fascinating. More with written word, than spoken conversation, I find it allows one's mind to wander into the writer's realm. Taking moments to reflect during the reading process in a way that is difficult mid conversation. I occasionally question myself on why I enjoy that so much.
I like to think it’s because I take inspiration from others. I always have. Be it Andre Agassi or Matthew McConaughey (both consumed this year and highly recommended), there's something remarkable about getting lost in words and time, temporarily inhabiting someone else's life and, perhaps more profoundly, their feelings.
Is it escapism? A brief departure from our own autobiography? I’m not sure—and I don’t think my degree in optometry qualifies me to go too much deeper!
But it does make me think about what happens at Seen every day. Only recently, a client was thanking me for the lovely experience choosing new glasses at Seen. “I feel I was transported out of my world and into yours” they said, “it’s great”.
I love that the Seen Team are able to do this. Just like great writing does so much more than just to inform, a great Seen experience isn’t only about the glasses.
The team are the authors of the Seen story—crafting moments that transport you, our wonderful clients, into our world, even if just briefly. I've always believed that if we do our work properly, we help you feel good. Perhaps that's the answer… good writing liberates you, makes you feel something!
And all the incredible feedback I’ve heard and read this year suggests that this team of rockstars is doing exactly that, brilliantly.
So as we close the chapter on 2025, I wanted to publicly give a huge shoutout to the incredible team here at Seen and all their hard work. Seen wouldn’t be Seen without them. Tim, Erika, Neil, Meg, Amran, Faye, Ian and Elizabeth (a very recent addition to the team) have made this year both incredibly fun and enjoyable. I thank you with all my heart.
And of course, we couldn’t do what we do if the amazing people reading this didn’t continually come in and inspire us to be the best authors of this Seen story that we can be.
We promise to be even better in 2026. An exciting year ahead with new brands, new ideas, new stories and plenty more new trainers (or is that just Erika?!).
